Centenary Riverside, next to the River Don in the Templeborough district of Rotherham, is the Trust’s newest nature reserve.
Basic flood defences have been completed, and a programme of planting and construction works has transformed the site of the former steel works into a ten-acre urban wetland, and a haven for wildlife.  Footpaths and ponds have been created, trees, grasslands and wildflowers planted, and seats, signage and sculptures have been installed.  Eventually it is hoped that many native species, including otters, will be re-established; in the meantime the reserve provides a great amenity for local people.

Industrial Heritage

The huge relics of the site’s industrial past are being celebrated in its new incarnation, with the sculpture, Steel Henge, on the flood defence bank; adaptation of the concrete foundations to create wildlife habitats; and the giant deck chair sculptures reflecting the massive forms of the steel industry and the increasing use of the Don for leisure.  As well as marking the site’s past, these imaginative sculptures serve to add even more quirk and interest to the reserve.

Economic Future

As well as looking to the past, Centenary Riverside will contribute to the area’s economic future.  An integral part of Rotherham’s flood defences, this unique flood storage wetland means that adjacent land can be developed safely; plus a training and education centre will house the Trust’s commercial arm, Wildscapes, as well as providing a resource for local social enterprises.

Sustainability

In addition to providing an environmentally sustainable solution to possible flooding and an ideal habitat for wildlife, the long term future of Centenary Riverside is assured, thanks to innovative funding arrangements.  A generous endowment has been provided as part of the start up costs, which will be invested to pay for maintenance of the reserve in perpetuity.  Creation of the reserve has been funded by Rotherham Council, Biffaward, the Sita Trust, ERDF VALUE, WREN, Natural England’s Biodiversity Action Fund, and WRAP amongst others.

Living Don

Centenary Riverside forms a part of the Living Don, a project aiming to enhance the ecological network from the Peak District moors to the urban centres of Sheffield and Rotherham.

How to get there

Address

Centenary Riverside
Riverside Way
Templeborough
Rotherham
S60 1DS 
Grid Ref: SK420920

By public transport
Bus numbers 69 and X78 which run between Sheffield, Meadowhall and Rotherham stop nearby.  Rotherham Central Train Station is within easy walking distance, under a mile away.  Phone Travelline 01700 515151 for more details.

By car
There is plenty of off road parking in Rotherham Town Centre, and there is limited street parking in Riverside Way.